Statement by Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Klemen Ponikvar at UNSC meeting on the threats to international peace and security, called by the Russian Federation

Thank you Mr. President,

We met on the topic of Ukraine only yesterday, where we thoroughly expressed our position about the war and the need to end it.

Let me therefore repeat: while Ukraine has shown firm commitment to engage in a peace process, Russia is committing the largest aerial attacks since the war began, attacks, causing a steep rise in civilian casualties. This must stop. And this is where constructive approach starts.

Ukraine wants peace. Europe wants peace. Not war but peace.

Mr. President,

Let me make a couple of additional points in this regard:

Firstly, we do not accept any attempts at making inroads in the right of every country to defend itself. An inalienable right enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

What is more, a country defending itself can also develop or procure the means to do so. Such acquisitions must happen against the backdrop of the international legal framework, which among others includes resolutions adopted by this Council.

What is not allowed on the other hand, is the procurement of weapons from a country sanctioned by this very body. As seems to be the case with reported weapons transfers from the DPRK to Russia. This must stop immediately. And this is again, where constructive approach starts.

Secondly. We need peace. Ukraine needs it. Europe needs it. My country has been advocating for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. We have been calling for the immediate return of the forcibly transferred children and the civilian prisoners for years. And we have been pushing for a ceasefire for months. All we heard in return however, is excuses and ultimatums. And Russia continues to respond to offers of peace with drones and ballistic missiles.

We want this war to end and we will not condone any justification to continue the bloodshed.

Mr. President,

Sitting behind this table is not just a privilege; it first and foremost comes with a great responsibility. A responsibility to maintain international peace and security. This body has been failing Ukrainians for years. It is time to step up and act towards a peace, anchored in the UN Charter, and its principles.

I thank you.

Recent Statements